In the age of a global pandemic, we all face unavoidable change. There is change to our daily routines, our interactions, and (hopefully) hygiene habits. In an effort to contain the spread of the virus and protect high-risk populations, we are all adjusting to social distancing practices, and the cancellation of classes, as well as social events, entertainment, and sporting events. While some of us try to stay informed, it is difficult to avoid feelings of panic and hysteria. It is hard not to get caught up in the tremendous change, but it is important that we all do our part in complying with new rules for a societal good. Each and every one of us can play a part in preventing the spread of the coronavirus and doing our best to fight fear, maintain calm, and support each other.
Except for the news industry.
No change there. Our generation is probably used to a widespread practice of click-bait headlines that scream for our attention. This may have started with entertainment and less-than-reliable information sources (looking at you, Buzzfeed), but in the past decade it has become widespread amongst traditional news outlets. Whether online or in-print, news media incorporate sensationalized and misleading headlines to entice readers to click, follow through, and read on. Much like everything abusive and dissatisfying, it’s all about the money. Higher click-through rates, more advertisement consumption, and more money for a struggling industry.
One would hope that such important institutions in our society, the ones that provide us with crucial information in such harrowing times, would do their part in contributing to the betterment of our new circumstances. Canadians need updated information fast. We all need to know what rules and policies are being adopted as soon as they are implemented, and as soon as they change on a whim. We need to know the best practices to stay safe and protect our loved ones. How does the media help us get there? With headlines like “Can Your Dog Get and Transmit Coronavirus?” or “Do You Need to Stockpile Toilet Paper?”. I don’t know, why don’t you tell me! If it is so important that you wrote an article about it, then why not try to give me the answer as fast as possible in the headline, as opposed to making it a question that I will now have to worry about?
There has been a longstanding practice of fear mongering to buy clicks and attract readers. In a time where we need it most, there is a reluctance to change and focus on informing the public in the most direct and efficient way possible. Instead, some media outlets are steadfast in their already questionable practice, providing a disservice to the public. Irresponsible is a strong word, and perhaps I should refrain from using it, but I won’t. The use of headlines to create confusion and attract more readers is irresponsible journalism. Stop feeding the flame of global panic and contributing to mass hysteria and do your damn jobs. We are all desperate for the latest information, and click-bait has never been so unnecessary.